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Still, Dark Places
Young girls are going missing in Still Water. And the new sheriff, like his predecessor, is convinced they're only runaways trying to escape the confines of strict parents, stifling religious practices, and physical abuse.
And why shouldn't the public believe them? After all, Nora Gray did the exact same thing.
Nora now runs a well-known podcast that helps solve cold cases, and she's being called back to Still Water to help bring attention to one of the missing girls.
But what she discovers puts both Nora and her co-worker, Rhys, in danger. Nora finds out that every ghost story has a shred of truth in it, and the dead don't keep secrets.
But will she and Rhys find out what happened to the missing girls, and can they make it out of Still Water alive?
And why shouldn't the public believe them? After all, Nora Gray did the exact same thing.
Nora now runs a well-known podcast that helps solve cold cases, and she's being called back to Still Water to help bring attention to one of the missing girls.
But what she discovers puts both Nora and her co-worker, Rhys, in danger. Nora finds out that every ghost story has a shred of truth in it, and the dead don't keep secrets.
But will she and Rhys find out what happened to the missing girls, and can they make it out of Still Water alive?
350 pages, Paperback
Published July 24, 2024
103 people are currently reading
4127 people want to read
About the author
Christina Graves
3 books85 followersChristina Graves is a thriller and horror author rooted in the Deep South, where history and hauntings walk hand in hand. As a lifelong dark fiction enthusiast with a special love for True Crime and 80’s horror films, she’s been called a “masterclass storyteller.”
Christina is the author of two thrillers (Still, Dark Places and What We Do in Secret) and has contributed to the anthologies Devour the Rich and Flashes of Darkness: Volume 1.
She is currently pursuing a BA in Creative Writing with a minor in Marketing. When she’s not writing, a rarity, Christina can be found hiking deep in the woods somewhere with her husband, three gremlins, and their old dog, Ruth.
Christina is the author of two thrillers (Still, Dark Places and What We Do in Secret) and has contributed to the anthologies Devour the Rich and Flashes of Darkness: Volume 1.
She is currently pursuing a BA in Creative Writing with a minor in Marketing. When she’s not writing, a rarity, Christina can be found hiking deep in the woods somewhere with her husband, three gremlins, and their old dog, Ruth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
July 4, 2024
3.5 🌟 rounded up for Goodreads
Thoughts:
~~~~~~~~
When I first started this book, I wasn't sure I'd like it. In the beginning I found Nora to be irritable and her and Rhy's relationship drama was doing nothing for the book. However, I kept reading because I found the past timeline to be intriguing and, I was curious to how it was connected to the story.
Around the 30% mark things started to get interesting as they entered Still Waters and began their investigation into the past and present disappearances of these young girls. So, I kept on reading and it just kept getting better and better. I became more and more invested in the story and found the storyline set in 1992 to be the most interesting part of the book. Honestly, that timeline really carried the book for me.
I had already figured out one of the plot twists around the 50% mark and I was just waiting on Nora to catch up. However, I wasn't expecting who the really killer was and I'm not sure I like that angle or think it's believable.
In my opinion there wasn't enough character building for me to even be blown away by that revelation. Yes, he was mentioned here and there but I just needed more of a backstory on him for it to wow me the way a plot twist should. Also I'm not sure if the years and ages of the characters are adding up but I'm no mathematician so don't take my word on that.
The ending was underwhelming as well and left quite a bit to be desired. I would've loved to see Marion's reaction to her daughter's remains being discovered. I mean it was her phone call that started this whole thing so that would've been a good inclusion to the ending. I actually had to take a minute before writing this review to connect the dots and make certain things make sense in my mind. Not really a positive thing but not necessarily the worst thing.
Overall, it was a good thriller read with a slight supernatural twist. I'm not mad at it and would recommend to others.
I received this eArc from Horror Smith Publishing. All opinions are 100% my own.
Thoughts:
~~~~~~~~
When I first started this book, I wasn't sure I'd like it. In the beginning I found Nora to be irritable and her and Rhy's relationship drama was doing nothing for the book. However, I kept reading because I found the past timeline to be intriguing and, I was curious to how it was connected to the story.
Around the 30% mark things started to get interesting as they entered Still Waters and began their investigation into the past and present disappearances of these young girls. So, I kept on reading and it just kept getting better and better. I became more and more invested in the story and found the storyline set in 1992 to be the most interesting part of the book. Honestly, that timeline really carried the book for me.
I had already figured out one of the plot twists around the 50% mark and I was just waiting on Nora to catch up. However, I wasn't expecting who the really killer was and I'm not sure I like that angle or think it's believable.
In my opinion there wasn't enough character building for me to even be blown away by that revelation. Yes, he was mentioned here and there but I just needed more of a backstory on him for it to wow me the way a plot twist should. Also I'm not sure if the years and ages of the characters are adding up but I'm no mathematician so don't take my word on that.
The ending was underwhelming as well and left quite a bit to be desired. I would've loved to see Marion's reaction to her daughter's remains being discovered. I mean it was her phone call that started this whole thing so that would've been a good inclusion to the ending. I actually had to take a minute before writing this review to connect the dots and make certain things make sense in my mind. Not really a positive thing but not necessarily the worst thing.
Overall, it was a good thriller read with a slight supernatural twist. I'm not mad at it and would recommend to others.
I received this eArc from Horror Smith Publishing. All opinions are 100% my own.
July 19, 2024
Years ago, Nora was found wandering dazed and covered in blood. Her sister was never seen again. Whatever she witnessed was so horrific, her traumatized mind has blocked it from her memory.
Now as a grown woman, she has distanced herself from her past, using a different name and hosting a true crime podcast. During the call-in portion of her show, she is shocked to hear a woman call her by her real name. A woman from her hometown has tracked her down to tell her that her daughter has gone missing just like Nora's sister and the other girls from long ago.
Reluctantly, Nora agrees to meet with this woman and try to uncover what the police couldn't or wouldn't. Returning to her hometown to solve this mystery may be the key to solving her own.
Told on two timelines from multiple points of view this twisty, emotional, psychological horror was loaded with suspense and surprises. The present-day investigation part moved a little slow for my taste. I found the storyline of the past more compelling than the current day. The ultimate connection between past and present was cleverly written.
My thanks to Horrorsmith Publishing.
Now as a grown woman, she has distanced herself from her past, using a different name and hosting a true crime podcast. During the call-in portion of her show, she is shocked to hear a woman call her by her real name. A woman from her hometown has tracked her down to tell her that her daughter has gone missing just like Nora's sister and the other girls from long ago.
Reluctantly, Nora agrees to meet with this woman and try to uncover what the police couldn't or wouldn't. Returning to her hometown to solve this mystery may be the key to solving her own.
Told on two timelines from multiple points of view this twisty, emotional, psychological horror was loaded with suspense and surprises. The present-day investigation part moved a little slow for my taste. I found the storyline of the past more compelling than the current day. The ultimate connection between past and present was cleverly written.
My thanks to Horrorsmith Publishing.
August 8, 2025
It was a while ago that I read this book and I forgot to review it. I'm getting the opportunity to listen to the audiobook now and will be coming back soon to post an updated review!
July 28, 2024
Nora has tried to leave her past behind her. She’s moved, changed her name, and started a hugely popular true crime podcast. But one show, a woman calls in and burns Nora's world to the ground. Things were never great, but now things are worse. Her “fans” are attacking her. Her night terrors leave her exhausted. And for fun, she is now having frequent panic attacks. So she makes a choice and goes home to revisit the town where her sister – as well as 6 other girls – went missing 10 years ago. And where apparently, it’s happening again. With her fellow podcaster, Rhys, and his obnoxious girlfriend, Shelly, by her side, maybe Nora can finally unlock her memories of the night her sister disappeared.
This book diverted in a direction I absolutely did not anticipate. At. All. It's not often I get blindsided by a story, but holy shit, did this one shock me. And if that wasn't enough, I got smacked again later. It made sense and perhaps I should've seen it, but I absolutely did not. I'm going to be thinking about this for awhile. Can't wait for the author's next book!
This book diverted in a direction I absolutely did not anticipate. At. All. It's not often I get blindsided by a story, but holy shit, did this one shock me. And if that wasn't enough, I got smacked again later. It made sense and perhaps I should've seen it, but I absolutely did not. I'm going to be thinking about this for awhile. Can't wait for the author's next book!
July 7, 2024
Wow what a compelling and thrilling read! This honestly had me at the edge of my seat throughout! Even made my soul twitch in certain still, dark places.. lol.. nothing is ever what it first seems and who can you ever trust?
This author is definitely one to look out for! Their writing style is smooth, yet keeps you sussing everyone then messes with your mind in the concept of you don't guess who the culprit till they reveal it in the end.
This author is definitely one to look out for! Their writing style is smooth, yet keeps you sussing everyone then messes with your mind in the concept of you don't guess who the culprit till they reveal it in the end.
June 29, 2024
3.75 stars
Nora is a true crime podcaster, bringing attention to missing persons cases across the country. When her own connection to a long forgotten cold case comes to light, she's forced to return to Still Water with her co-host, Rhys, and turn their combined investigative skills on her own childhood.
This is a dual timeline story. I found the storyline set in the past to be very engrossing. It has some major revelations I did not see coming at all. In contrast, I found the present day sleuthing of Nora and Rhys to be quite rote. Part of that is I figured out some of the twists pretty much instantaneously. It's always a bit of slog when that happens, and you have to wait for the main character to catch up. I also found some sections - especially where there was a lot of action - to be confusingly written. It was difficult to keep track of what exactly was happening and that took away from how invested I could get in Nora's part of the story. If the whole book was just the parts set in the 90s, this would have been a 5 star read for me.
I received this book for free as part of the Horrorsmith Publishing ARC Team.
Nora is a true crime podcaster, bringing attention to missing persons cases across the country. When her own connection to a long forgotten cold case comes to light, she's forced to return to Still Water with her co-host, Rhys, and turn their combined investigative skills on her own childhood.
This is a dual timeline story. I found the storyline set in the past to be very engrossing. It has some major revelations I did not see coming at all. In contrast, I found the present day sleuthing of Nora and Rhys to be quite rote. Part of that is I figured out some of the twists pretty much instantaneously. It's always a bit of slog when that happens, and you have to wait for the main character to catch up. I also found some sections - especially where there was a lot of action - to be confusingly written. It was difficult to keep track of what exactly was happening and that took away from how invested I could get in Nora's part of the story. If the whole book was just the parts set in the 90s, this would have been a 5 star read for me.
I received this book for free as part of the Horrorsmith Publishing ARC Team.
July 7, 2024
4.5 Stars ~
Dual times lines following the happening of twins Helaena and Ruth, and then the past and happenings of sisters Nora and Sadie.
Girls keep going missing in this town, never to be seen again. They are known as the ‘Seven Sisters’.
Present day: Nora runs a true-crime podcast when a caller from her hometown calls the podcast and asks for Nora’s help. The callers daughter Samantha is missing and she believes that it connected to Nora’s sister Sadie’s disappearance. Nora has spent years trying to put that behind her as the night of Sadie’s disappearance is a lost memory she wishes she could remember. But Nora agrees to go back to her hometown to see if she can find out what really happened to her sister, the ‘Seven Sisters’, and Samantha.
Past: POV switches between twins Ruth and Helaena throughout this but it explores the horrors they experienced by the hands of their very religious mother.
This books keeps you guessing as to how Ruth and Helaena are connected to the story and possibly the disappearances of all those girls, but also really shows the horrors some experience in regards to religion and religious trauma.
I am usually not a fan of dual timelines as it easily confuses me but this just worked.
Please check content warnings for this one if you feel the need to, there are some heavy topics in this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you to @horrorsmithpublishing and @christinagravesauthor for this eARC in return for an honest review.
Dual times lines following the happening of twins Helaena and Ruth, and then the past and happenings of sisters Nora and Sadie.
Girls keep going missing in this town, never to be seen again. They are known as the ‘Seven Sisters’.
Present day: Nora runs a true-crime podcast when a caller from her hometown calls the podcast and asks for Nora’s help. The callers daughter Samantha is missing and she believes that it connected to Nora’s sister Sadie’s disappearance. Nora has spent years trying to put that behind her as the night of Sadie’s disappearance is a lost memory she wishes she could remember. But Nora agrees to go back to her hometown to see if she can find out what really happened to her sister, the ‘Seven Sisters’, and Samantha.
Past: POV switches between twins Ruth and Helaena throughout this but it explores the horrors they experienced by the hands of their very religious mother.
This books keeps you guessing as to how Ruth and Helaena are connected to the story and possibly the disappearances of all those girls, but also really shows the horrors some experience in regards to religion and religious trauma.
I am usually not a fan of dual timelines as it easily confuses me but this just worked.
Please check content warnings for this one if you feel the need to, there are some heavy topics in this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you to @horrorsmithpublishing and @christinagravesauthor for this eARC in return for an honest review.
June 24, 2024
This was a great thriller! Held my interest from the very beginning all the way to the end. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and really appreciated the way they were named at the beginning of each chapter.
March 2, 2025
Ugh I wanted to like it…beginning was pretty slow, started getting pretty good about 60% of the way through and then around the part where ghosts and demons became real is where I rolled my eyes and sighed that this is where the story went. I feel like the ghost trope is an author’s way to cheat the system of wrapping up what could be a great thrilling ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2024
I would like to say a huge thank you to HorrorSmith Publishing and author Christina Graves for providing me with an ARC of this book. As a debut novel for Christina Graves, I’m extremely impressed. This book had me hooked from beginning to end. It touches on all the things horror nerds, such as myself, love like crime podcasts, haunted houses, small town myths/legends, dual POVs that feature the past and present, plot twists that throw you, small town missing person cold cases. The list goes on. It had everything I wanted from a book without feeling like everything but the kitchen sink. This story was very well written and did not feel predictable in a way a lot of twisty thrillers can, at least in my opinion. While this covers some super fun topics, it also covers hard topics like child and spousal abuse as well as religious trauma.
My favorite POV in this book was that of Helaena. I hurt for her in the end. I was so angry with the acts of her twin sister and mother and wanted so badly for things to work out for her. I found her to be relatable and very likable as a free spirited young girl in a small town. As the story unfolds, she uncovers truths about her past that shattered her entire world. Everything comes crashing down around her as her family tries to “cleanse” her of the demon that is the modern world. The second POV you have is Nora, a cold case podcast host with a tragic past. I did not find Nora to be super likable, but I didn’t hate her. Her story is a little less captivating than Helaena’s, but still kept me entertained as she attempted to solve 8 cold cases of missing young girls in her hometown. We eventually see Nora solve these cases and face a dark truth that nobody ever wanted for her. You’re relieved that she no longer has to be haunted by the unknown, but sad for the reality that exists for her. If you’re looking for a new author to obsess over, I highly recommend checking out Still, Dark Places.
My favorite POV in this book was that of Helaena. I hurt for her in the end. I was so angry with the acts of her twin sister and mother and wanted so badly for things to work out for her. I found her to be relatable and very likable as a free spirited young girl in a small town. As the story unfolds, she uncovers truths about her past that shattered her entire world. Everything comes crashing down around her as her family tries to “cleanse” her of the demon that is the modern world. The second POV you have is Nora, a cold case podcast host with a tragic past. I did not find Nora to be super likable, but I didn’t hate her. Her story is a little less captivating than Helaena’s, but still kept me entertained as she attempted to solve 8 cold cases of missing young girls in her hometown. We eventually see Nora solve these cases and face a dark truth that nobody ever wanted for her. You’re relieved that she no longer has to be haunted by the unknown, but sad for the reality that exists for her. If you’re looking for a new author to obsess over, I highly recommend checking out Still, Dark Places.
July 3, 2024
Christina Graves' 'Still, Dark Places' is one of those books that combine a mystery-thriller plotline with some very subtle dashes of horror, choosing, however, to attach more weight to the latter, thus bringing everything to a glorious, heavily supernatural close! The author's strength is atmosphere and characters; dialogue or pacing not so much, but she definitely knows how to turn a familiar story (of small-town girls going missing, and a flawed main character, the true crime podcaster Nora Gray, personally invested in the missing girls, ending up investigating the disappearances) into a thrilling journey both into the characters' minds and outwards, in their surroundings. To wit: Nora is haunted by the disappeance of her sister, but she's also personally involved in the town's urban legend of a haunted house; ghosts crowd the entire story (Nora is, of course, haunted by trauma and regret), from the town's past (a second plotline interrupts, sometimes a bit uncomfortably, the main story, slowly revealing the intricate backstory), to Nora's actual future (keeping the review spoiler-free, all I'll say on that front is that the book has a very nice, perhaps brilliant, ending!) Ultimately, the book has layers upon layers, it sometimes reads quite fast, other times very slow, but if you like puzzles, flawed characters, and an eerie atmosphere, this book is heaven!
July 9, 2024
The past never stays buried, it will catch up to you no matter how far you run.
Still, Dark Places is a thriller dealing with unsolved missing person cases in a small town, survivors guilt, and repressed memories.
Nora is a podcaster that investigates cold cases but her life is turned inside out when she is called back to her home town to look into a new missing person case that is eerily familiar to the ones that happened when she was a kid.
There are a couple tense scenes in this book but honestly I had a hard time keeping track of who was who and which when we were in. Being told in a nonlinear timeline and multiple POV was not conducive to reading it in short bites of time. It wasn’t until I could dedicate a good chunk that I was able to keep the characters and the storyline straight.
This is a good book if you are looking for a twisted mystery, religious zealots, a bit of romantic drama and a touch of spooky old houses.
Still, Dark Places is a thriller dealing with unsolved missing person cases in a small town, survivors guilt, and repressed memories.
Nora is a podcaster that investigates cold cases but her life is turned inside out when she is called back to her home town to look into a new missing person case that is eerily familiar to the ones that happened when she was a kid.
There are a couple tense scenes in this book but honestly I had a hard time keeping track of who was who and which when we were in. Being told in a nonlinear timeline and multiple POV was not conducive to reading it in short bites of time. It wasn’t until I could dedicate a good chunk that I was able to keep the characters and the storyline straight.
This is a good book if you are looking for a twisted mystery, religious zealots, a bit of romantic drama and a touch of spooky old houses.
July 3, 2024
I just finished Still, Dark Places, a horror/thriller book that truly pulled me out of a book slump. This book was a masterclass in storytelling, filled with chilling moments and engrossing twists that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The writing was exceptional, creating a palpable sense of suspense and surprise with each turn of the page. The narrative also seamlessly shifts between past and present, and utilizes multiple points of view to piece together the story.
Each character was richly developed, with enough detail that I could vividly imagine I was there in the moment.
I am definitely eager to read more from this author. I highly recommend picking up this book.
The writing was exceptional, creating a palpable sense of suspense and surprise with each turn of the page. The narrative also seamlessly shifts between past and present, and utilizes multiple points of view to piece together the story.
Each character was richly developed, with enough detail that I could vividly imagine I was there in the moment.
I am definitely eager to read more from this author. I highly recommend picking up this book.
July 11, 2024
Still, Dark Places by @christinagravesauthor and @horrorsmithpublishing is a gripping psychological thriller with small paranormal elements that add just enough spooky to the story.
A tale of a sad and long history of missing girls in the small town of Still Water still haunts Nora to this day. Especially because her sister is one of them. Yet she has no memories of the night her sister disappeared. Her co-producer of a true crime podcast Rhys, and Nora, decide to go to Still Water to figure out the truth. Will they be leaving Still Water alive?
There were so many dark layers to this story. Each one superimposed over the other, to subtly form the big picture, but without giving it up until the very end. With dual POVs between sets of sisters, multiple timelines, and extremely crafty twists this story swept me away! If you like true crime influenced fictional stories, and thrillers with a touch of paranormal events, then I highly recommend you add Still, Dark Places to your TBR!!
A tale of a sad and long history of missing girls in the small town of Still Water still haunts Nora to this day. Especially because her sister is one of them. Yet she has no memories of the night her sister disappeared. Her co-producer of a true crime podcast Rhys, and Nora, decide to go to Still Water to figure out the truth. Will they be leaving Still Water alive?
There were so many dark layers to this story. Each one superimposed over the other, to subtly form the big picture, but without giving it up until the very end. With dual POVs between sets of sisters, multiple timelines, and extremely crafty twists this story swept me away! If you like true crime influenced fictional stories, and thrillers with a touch of paranormal events, then I highly recommend you add Still, Dark Places to your TBR!!
October 18, 2024
Told from multiple POVs across different stages in time, this psychological thriller/supernatural horror novel kept me glued to the pages and suspicious of everyone and everything as the timelines come together! True crime podcasts, haunted houses, a serial killer, religious trauma, small town legends, ghosts, and plenty of shocks. I absolutely did NOT see that ending coming! Cannot wait to read more from this author!
My thanks to Horrorsmith Publishing!
My thanks to Horrorsmith Publishing!
June 26, 2024
Wow! Such a great book! The story grabs you right away and didn't let go until the end. I stayed up way too late to finish this in one sitting ..... who needs sleep, right?
You won't regret reading this, I promise!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me the opportunity to read this
You won't regret reading this, I promise!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me the opportunity to read this
July 26, 2024
An incredible psychological thriller which can be seen to have roots in horror!
Still, Dark Places is an exciting psychological thriller that will keep you on your toes. With seeming roots in a horror novel, this thriller seeks to disrupt your thought patterns and keep you guessing. The entire novel is shrouded in a mysterious aura, almost as though when you are reading, it’s always stormy outside and there’s always an eerie quiet surrounding you. Christina Graves does a stellar job of applying this mystique to the story and for me, this was my favourite part of my read through.
The story itself is told from 2 main perspectives across 2 stages in time and both of these are vastly different, however they do come to head at the end. Which kind of felt a bit fast at the end. But, the novel is brilliant and the story is unique and dark, just how I like my thrillers.
Still, Dark Places is well worth a read and should definitely be on the lists of fans of horror or thrillers a like!
Still, Dark Places is an exciting psychological thriller that will keep you on your toes. With seeming roots in a horror novel, this thriller seeks to disrupt your thought patterns and keep you guessing. The entire novel is shrouded in a mysterious aura, almost as though when you are reading, it’s always stormy outside and there’s always an eerie quiet surrounding you. Christina Graves does a stellar job of applying this mystique to the story and for me, this was my favourite part of my read through.
The story itself is told from 2 main perspectives across 2 stages in time and both of these are vastly different, however they do come to head at the end. Which kind of felt a bit fast at the end. But, the novel is brilliant and the story is unique and dark, just how I like my thrillers.
Still, Dark Places is well worth a read and should definitely be on the lists of fans of horror or thrillers a like!
July 11, 2024
If you are looking for an immersive horror book to lose yourself into for a day or two, look no further because do I have a book for you!
Nora and Rhys are podcasters who specialize in cold cases. Rhys suspects that Nora has experienced things in her life which have led to fascination, but he has no idea how deep her trauma runs when a call comes into the show from a lady asking Nora for help and telling her she knows her true identity.
When Nora was young, her sister was one of seven kids who disappeared from Still Water. The disappearances were never solved, and not only did Nora's family fall apart as a result of her sister going missing, Nora's father, the local sheriff, then became obsessed with the case with led to a huge family estrangement. Nora has limited memories of what happened but has always thought she should know more than what she recalls. So, when another girl goes missing after all these years, Nora, Rhys and Rhys' girlfriend return to Still Waters to try to figure out if the disappearances are connected and to learn what happened so many years ago.
Graves does a wonderful job of creating a very spooky, atmospheric tale. Nora is suffering a lot of mental health issues due to her childhood trauma and while I didn't find her extremely likable, I did become invested in her backstory and seeing her finally overcome her past experiences. I never bought into the whole Nora/Rhys relationship, which is already over when the book actually starts, and later find out I was correct in questioning THAT connection. There is a very creepy, desolate house in this tale and a lot of religious horror which shows how extreme some people will act to support their beliefs, whether right or wrong.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat and had some twists and turns I never saw coming. It was a great vacation read and as I mentioned, I basically read it in under 24 hours. I find that sometimes, shorter horror works better for me and that was definitely the case with this one. Graves has already announced a new thriller book on the horizon, and I am very interested in seeing what else she comes up with next. Bring on the next one!
Nora and Rhys are podcasters who specialize in cold cases. Rhys suspects that Nora has experienced things in her life which have led to fascination, but he has no idea how deep her trauma runs when a call comes into the show from a lady asking Nora for help and telling her she knows her true identity.
When Nora was young, her sister was one of seven kids who disappeared from Still Water. The disappearances were never solved, and not only did Nora's family fall apart as a result of her sister going missing, Nora's father, the local sheriff, then became obsessed with the case with led to a huge family estrangement. Nora has limited memories of what happened but has always thought she should know more than what she recalls. So, when another girl goes missing after all these years, Nora, Rhys and Rhys' girlfriend return to Still Waters to try to figure out if the disappearances are connected and to learn what happened so many years ago.
Graves does a wonderful job of creating a very spooky, atmospheric tale. Nora is suffering a lot of mental health issues due to her childhood trauma and while I didn't find her extremely likable, I did become invested in her backstory and seeing her finally overcome her past experiences. I never bought into the whole Nora/Rhys relationship, which is already over when the book actually starts, and later find out I was correct in questioning THAT connection. There is a very creepy, desolate house in this tale and a lot of religious horror which shows how extreme some people will act to support their beliefs, whether right or wrong.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat and had some twists and turns I never saw coming. It was a great vacation read and as I mentioned, I basically read it in under 24 hours. I find that sometimes, shorter horror works better for me and that was definitely the case with this one. Graves has already announced a new thriller book on the horizon, and I am very interested in seeing what else she comes up with next. Bring on the next one!
June 24, 2024
It's been awhile since I've read and reviewed a horror/thriller and WOW, I'm so glad it was this book that broke that cycle.
This was amazingly well written and it not only left me with the occasional chill up my spine but kept me completely engrossed by all of the twists and turns and unexpected revelations.
The story is about a small town plagued by the mysterious disappearances of 7 girls who have been dubbed "the 7 sisters". Memorialized by a ring of statues that captured each girl in her youth, they serve as a bleak reminder to the generations raised there that bad things have a way of never being laid to rest.
Nora, better than most, understands this.
I don't want to go into much more detail because this book is best savored by going in completely blind.
I will mention that this book separates past and present events by chapter, allowing us to slowly put the pieces together and it also features multiple POVs.
Although this could easily be classified as thriller/mystery, there were moments best labeled as paranormal...and I ate those moments up. Those paranormal elements really added a layer of depth and gave the story that overall chill factor which left me with such a huge, positive impression in the end.
I loved the characters. For a book clocking under 300 pages, the amount of depth and dimension each character possessed was truly amazing. I found myself, so easily, able to not only picture each person's face but their stance, their gait...even their accents.
This book has, inevitably, done two things to me. For one, it has left me aching to return to my once beloved horror genre. And two, it has me wanting to read more by this particular author in the future.
Anyone that enjoys true crime podcasts, small town mysteries and a twist of paranormal, I seriously encourage you to pick up this book.
I highly recommend it.
This was amazingly well written and it not only left me with the occasional chill up my spine but kept me completely engrossed by all of the twists and turns and unexpected revelations.
The story is about a small town plagued by the mysterious disappearances of 7 girls who have been dubbed "the 7 sisters". Memorialized by a ring of statues that captured each girl in her youth, they serve as a bleak reminder to the generations raised there that bad things have a way of never being laid to rest.
Nora, better than most, understands this.
I don't want to go into much more detail because this book is best savored by going in completely blind.
I will mention that this book separates past and present events by chapter, allowing us to slowly put the pieces together and it also features multiple POVs.
Although this could easily be classified as thriller/mystery, there were moments best labeled as paranormal...and I ate those moments up. Those paranormal elements really added a layer of depth and gave the story that overall chill factor which left me with such a huge, positive impression in the end.
I loved the characters. For a book clocking under 300 pages, the amount of depth and dimension each character possessed was truly amazing. I found myself, so easily, able to not only picture each person's face but their stance, their gait...even their accents.
This book has, inevitably, done two things to me. For one, it has left me aching to return to my once beloved horror genre. And two, it has me wanting to read more by this particular author in the future.
Anyone that enjoys true crime podcasts, small town mysteries and a twist of paranormal, I seriously encourage you to pick up this book.
I highly recommend it.
July 17, 2024
I received a gifted copy of STILL, DARK PLACES by Christina Graves from Horrorsmith Publishing!
STILL, DARK PLACES primarily follows Nora. When Nora was 15, her sister was the last of seven girls to go missing in the town of Still Water. Nora was found bloodied, but alive. She's never been able to remember the details of that night or what happened to her sister.
In the present day, Nora has moved away from Still Water, though it has followed her in the form of sleepless nights and terrible nightmares. Along with her partner Rhys, Nora runs a podcast which looks into cold cases even as she keeps her own connection to a cold case under wraps. When a woman calls into one of their live podcasts, she knows exactly who Nora is. Another young girl has gone missing in Still Water and Nora is drawn back there in search for answers.
That this book has a number of trigger warnings including child abuse, child death, sexual assault, rape, violence, etc.
I didn't know too much about this book going into it, but I was swiftly sucked in by Nora's story. The book also gives us a 1992 storyline from Ruth's perspective between Nora's chapters and those weren't quite as interesting to me initially. Ruth and her sister are being raised by an abusive mother who justifies her own actions in religion. This was at times very hard to read. That said, as we got further into the book and I started to be able to develop some theories about how that connected with Nora, I was much more fully drawn in by these chapters.
This was a hard one to put down and I binge read almost all of the second half in one sitting. I made a few good guesses along the way about some of the coming twists, but there were some surprises as well!
STILL, DARK PLACES was a great read and it is out now!
STILL, DARK PLACES primarily follows Nora. When Nora was 15, her sister was the last of seven girls to go missing in the town of Still Water. Nora was found bloodied, but alive. She's never been able to remember the details of that night or what happened to her sister.
In the present day, Nora has moved away from Still Water, though it has followed her in the form of sleepless nights and terrible nightmares. Along with her partner Rhys, Nora runs a podcast which looks into cold cases even as she keeps her own connection to a cold case under wraps. When a woman calls into one of their live podcasts, she knows exactly who Nora is. Another young girl has gone missing in Still Water and Nora is drawn back there in search for answers.
That this book has a number of trigger warnings including child abuse, child death, sexual assault, rape, violence, etc.
I didn't know too much about this book going into it, but I was swiftly sucked in by Nora's story. The book also gives us a 1992 storyline from Ruth's perspective between Nora's chapters and those weren't quite as interesting to me initially. Ruth and her sister are being raised by an abusive mother who justifies her own actions in religion. This was at times very hard to read. That said, as we got further into the book and I started to be able to develop some theories about how that connected with Nora, I was much more fully drawn in by these chapters.
This was a hard one to put down and I binge read almost all of the second half in one sitting. I made a few good guesses along the way about some of the coming twists, but there were some surprises as well!
STILL, DARK PLACES was a great read and it is out now!
July 10, 2024
“Sadie?” I Inquire after a moment. “The dark really is beautiful, isn’t it?”
Every town has a history and Still Water is no different. Seven girls have gone missing in the small town and the new sheriff, along with his predecessor, believe they are runaways due to suffocating religious practices, strict parents, and physical abuse. The public, and Nora Gray, believed this flimsy claim for years.
Nora left Still Water and never looked back. She rebuilt her life and started a podcast helping solve cold cases. She gets a call one day from a woman in Still Water asking her to help find a missing girl she believes is related to “The Seven Sisters.”
Nora hesitantly agrees in hopes that she will get answers to some questions she’s been hiding for so long. Not long into the investigation, she realizes that her and her coworker are in for more than they bargained for. Does every ghost story have a bit of truth involved? Will they both make it out unscathed?
“It was a lot easier to believe monsters existed than it was to believe that the monster is just another person, you know? It’s not until you get older you realize that the real monsters live next door.”
This rocked!!! It was an edge-of-your-seat thriller with just the right amount of horror to keep you guessing. This story gives you dual timelines: the present being more thriller for most of the book and the past bringing the horror component. It had me hooked from the very beginning.
The timeline in 1992-1993 was so engrossing. I found myself flying through those pages because I had to know what was going to happen next. The twists in this got me. (I know this is common but…) I thought I had it all figured out and Christina jumped in with a twist that left my head spinning.
I would suggest this to anyone looking for a thrilling, quick read to binge by the pool this summer!
Thank you so much to Horrorsmith Publishing for my free copy for review.
Every town has a history and Still Water is no different. Seven girls have gone missing in the small town and the new sheriff, along with his predecessor, believe they are runaways due to suffocating religious practices, strict parents, and physical abuse. The public, and Nora Gray, believed this flimsy claim for years.
Nora left Still Water and never looked back. She rebuilt her life and started a podcast helping solve cold cases. She gets a call one day from a woman in Still Water asking her to help find a missing girl she believes is related to “The Seven Sisters.”
Nora hesitantly agrees in hopes that she will get answers to some questions she’s been hiding for so long. Not long into the investigation, she realizes that her and her coworker are in for more than they bargained for. Does every ghost story have a bit of truth involved? Will they both make it out unscathed?
“It was a lot easier to believe monsters existed than it was to believe that the monster is just another person, you know? It’s not until you get older you realize that the real monsters live next door.”
This rocked!!! It was an edge-of-your-seat thriller with just the right amount of horror to keep you guessing. This story gives you dual timelines: the present being more thriller for most of the book and the past bringing the horror component. It had me hooked from the very beginning.
The timeline in 1992-1993 was so engrossing. I found myself flying through those pages because I had to know what was going to happen next. The twists in this got me. (I know this is common but…) I thought I had it all figured out and Christina jumped in with a twist that left my head spinning.
I would suggest this to anyone looking for a thrilling, quick read to binge by the pool this summer!
Thank you so much to Horrorsmith Publishing for my free copy for review.
July 4, 2024
Still, Dark Places was filled with twists and turns, that's for sure! It's a dual timeline split between the early 90s with Ruth and Halaena and present day with true crime podcaster, Nora. Nora's past abruptly catches up to her when someone calls in asking for help finding her missing daughter, a case eerily similar to her own sister's disappearance.
There was a lot going on, so much so that it wasn't always easy to sort out what exactly was happening. Some things were left a little vague, intentionally?, and I was left questioning if my understanding of events was actually what was happening. I am a bit confused about if there was a supernatural element of some sort to this or if I was completely misinterpreting things.
I did enjoy the dual timeline, but it took a long time to fully connect them together. There were a few hints here and there, but not all of it felt extremely relevant until the end. I think this would've worked better either separating both timelines out one after another or focusing only on one then writing out the other in a future book.
The big reveal about what actually happened in Nora's past was really interesting. I did guess a few things here and there, but the identity of the killer did take me by surprise. It was a bit out of left field, but interesting nonetheless.
Thank you to Horrorsmith Publishing for the ARC!
There was a lot going on, so much so that it wasn't always easy to sort out what exactly was happening. Some things were left a little vague, intentionally?, and I was left questioning if my understanding of events was actually what was happening. I am a bit confused about if there was a supernatural element of some sort to this or if I was completely misinterpreting things.
I did enjoy the dual timeline, but it took a long time to fully connect them together. There were a few hints here and there, but not all of it felt extremely relevant until the end. I think this would've worked better either separating both timelines out one after another or focusing only on one then writing out the other in a future book.
The big reveal about what actually happened in Nora's past was really interesting. I did guess a few things here and there, but the identity of the killer did take me by surprise. It was a bit out of left field, but interesting nonetheless.
Thank you to Horrorsmith Publishing for the ARC!
July 30, 2024
"Stil, Dark Places" by Christina Graves was such a fun and engaging read. I had a hard time stopping and I devoured the book in just a couple of days. The multiple POVs and timelines added depth to the story, making it even more captivating.
Young girls are going missing in Still Water, and the new sheriff, like his predecessor, is convinced they're merely runaways trying to escape strict parents, stifling religious practices, and physical abuse. This angle alone was chilling, but what really drew me in was the protagonist, Nora Gray, a true crime podcaster. She and her co-host Rhys have a reputation for solving cold cases, and their involvement in this eerie town's mysteries was fascinating.
Nora is called back to Still Water to help bring attention to one of the missing girls. What she and Rhys uncover not only puts them in danger but also reveals that every ghost story has a shred of truth, and the dead don't keep secrets. The tension and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and I loved how the story unfolded.
Without giving too much away, "Stil, Dark Places" was a thrilling read that kept me hooked from start to finish. Christina Graves has crafted a haunting tale that seamlessly blends the creepy atmosphere of a small town with the gripping intrigue of a true crime investigation. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fast-paced and spine-chilling read!
Young girls are going missing in Still Water, and the new sheriff, like his predecessor, is convinced they're merely runaways trying to escape strict parents, stifling religious practices, and physical abuse. This angle alone was chilling, but what really drew me in was the protagonist, Nora Gray, a true crime podcaster. She and her co-host Rhys have a reputation for solving cold cases, and their involvement in this eerie town's mysteries was fascinating.
Nora is called back to Still Water to help bring attention to one of the missing girls. What she and Rhys uncover not only puts them in danger but also reveals that every ghost story has a shred of truth, and the dead don't keep secrets. The tension and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and I loved how the story unfolded.
Without giving too much away, "Stil, Dark Places" was a thrilling read that kept me hooked from start to finish. Christina Graves has crafted a haunting tale that seamlessly blends the creepy atmosphere of a small town with the gripping intrigue of a true crime investigation. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fast-paced and spine-chilling read!
January 29, 2025
Still Dark Places is a fascinating and thrilling novel by Christina Graves, as the story floats easily from past to present, forming an extremely emotive and suspenseful tale. From page one, this book draws you in with its complex mystery and memorable characters.
One of the strengths in this novel is how easily the shifting points of view are followed. Graves does an outstanding job of making sure each perspective is distinct and clear, making it easy to fully invest in the different character experiences without confusion. That fluidity in narration serves to keep one engrossed while piecing together the puzzle with the characters.
The connection between past and present is another high point of the book. Graves easily weaves in flashbacks and memories in a way that allows the reader to understand how such past events have shaped their lives in the present. It is a link which never seems forced; transitions are organic, well-explained, and come together in a mystery with satisfying deep emotion.
And then the plot twist-oh my! Just when you thought you had it all, Graves hit you with an amazing twist, entirely redefining what you had been going on to think. It's a perfect shock-and-awe moment and so well executed that you'll still be debating the story long after the last page is turned.
All in all, Still, Dark Places is a good read that melds suspense, mystery, and emotional depth together in such a manner as to compel and reward. I loved every single moment of it, and if you're one of those people who love to pick up books for them to keep you at the edge of your seats, cleverly twisted and with a well-played plot, this one here definitely deserves a pickup.
One of the strengths in this novel is how easily the shifting points of view are followed. Graves does an outstanding job of making sure each perspective is distinct and clear, making it easy to fully invest in the different character experiences without confusion. That fluidity in narration serves to keep one engrossed while piecing together the puzzle with the characters.
The connection between past and present is another high point of the book. Graves easily weaves in flashbacks and memories in a way that allows the reader to understand how such past events have shaped their lives in the present. It is a link which never seems forced; transitions are organic, well-explained, and come together in a mystery with satisfying deep emotion.
And then the plot twist-oh my! Just when you thought you had it all, Graves hit you with an amazing twist, entirely redefining what you had been going on to think. It's a perfect shock-and-awe moment and so well executed that you'll still be debating the story long after the last page is turned.
All in all, Still, Dark Places is a good read that melds suspense, mystery, and emotional depth together in such a manner as to compel and reward. I loved every single moment of it, and if you're one of those people who love to pick up books for them to keep you at the edge of your seats, cleverly twisted and with a well-played plot, this one here definitely deserves a pickup.
June 26, 2024
I don’t know if I can accurately express how much I enjoyed this book!
Still, Dark Places has easily become one of my favorite books and if I could give it a 6/5 stars, I absolutely would! It was hooked at the first chapter, unable to put it down as I tore through it to get to the ending. Told in three POV’s, one of which is an unreliable narrator, I could not get enough.
This book centers around the small town of Still Water, infamous for the Seven Sisters, seven girls would mysteriously went missing, one of them including the sister of one of our main characters, Nora. Nora, now a true crime podcast co-host who has a history with cracking cold cases, hesitantly returns to Still Water at the request of a local mother whose daughter went missing a year ago. As Nora and her co-host, Rhys, dive into the case, they also seem to find themselves a little closer to trouble than they expected.
I could go on and on for hours about this book, though I did have some suspicious that turned out correct, I was still surprised and thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Still, Dark Places has easily become one of my favorite books and if I could give it a 6/5 stars, I absolutely would! It was hooked at the first chapter, unable to put it down as I tore through it to get to the ending. Told in three POV’s, one of which is an unreliable narrator, I could not get enough.
This book centers around the small town of Still Water, infamous for the Seven Sisters, seven girls would mysteriously went missing, one of them including the sister of one of our main characters, Nora. Nora, now a true crime podcast co-host who has a history with cracking cold cases, hesitantly returns to Still Water at the request of a local mother whose daughter went missing a year ago. As Nora and her co-host, Rhys, dive into the case, they also seem to find themselves a little closer to trouble than they expected.
I could go on and on for hours about this book, though I did have some suspicious that turned out correct, I was still surprised and thoroughly enjoyed the read.
June 27, 2024
I started this book at 2pm this afternoon with even intention of finishing it Friday afternoon since I read atleast 100 pages a day. What I wasn’t expecting was finishing this book by 9pm between doing chores and putting my baby to bed. This book was THAT ADDICTING! I think this is the fastest I’ve read a book in a while!
This book is a murder mystery with 2 MFC one in the present and one supposedly in the past 👀
This book dabbles a little with religious trauma, it has mystery, deceit, drama, 🔪🩸MURDER 🩸🔪, and twists and turns you do not expect! I can pretty much pick out the surprise twist in most horror books (looking at you Freida McFadden one of my favorite it most predictable authors) but with THIS BOOK?! I had no clue! Anytime I would think I would have it down I would be pleasantly surprised in being wrong a few chapters later! Everything doesn’t tie together until the LAST CHAPTER and BOY does it blow your fricken mind when it does! I will be thinking about this book for a while!
This book is a murder mystery with 2 MFC one in the present and one supposedly in the past 👀
This book dabbles a little with religious trauma, it has mystery, deceit, drama, 🔪🩸MURDER 🩸🔪, and twists and turns you do not expect! I can pretty much pick out the surprise twist in most horror books (looking at you Freida McFadden one of my favorite it most predictable authors) but with THIS BOOK?! I had no clue! Anytime I would think I would have it down I would be pleasantly surprised in being wrong a few chapters later! Everything doesn’t tie together until the LAST CHAPTER and BOY does it blow your fricken mind when it does! I will be thinking about this book for a while!
June 28, 2024
“This is why it’s easier to keep people at a distance. When they’re too close, it’s easy to see the cracks. Once people know all the places you’re broken, they can’t forget it. You’ll always be a damaged thing to them.”
I didn’t write down a lot of thoughts while reading this book because I was too busy binging it, more like inhaling it, because it was so good. I enjoyed this so much and the writing was perfect. The author did an amazing job at describing the characters and everything that was going on. I went through so many different emotions for each and every character throughout this read and in the end, I was so disappointed in some of them and the route they chose. I thought they were good people and would choose the right path and it was heart breaking and all I could think about was how Helaena (I hope I spelled that right) felt betrayed over and over again by people she was trying to help. I feel so sorry for her. This was such a good book though and I will definitely recommend!
I didn’t write down a lot of thoughts while reading this book because I was too busy binging it, more like inhaling it, because it was so good. I enjoyed this so much and the writing was perfect. The author did an amazing job at describing the characters and everything that was going on. I went through so many different emotions for each and every character throughout this read and in the end, I was so disappointed in some of them and the route they chose. I thought they were good people and would choose the right path and it was heart breaking and all I could think about was how Helaena (I hope I spelled that right) felt betrayed over and over again by people she was trying to help. I feel so sorry for her. This was such a good book though and I will definitely recommend!
May 6, 2025
This wasn’t a terrible read, but it also didn’t really suck me in like some thrillers do. This novel is about Nora whose sister along with six other women disappeared without a trace. We find out early in the novel that Nora was with her sister when she disappeared and has no recollection about what happened. Years later Nora is a true crime podcast host, and finds out another girl has disappeared. This novel also has chapters about events that happened in the past with a religious fanatical family. This book was all over the place, and the only parts that I enjoyed were the chapters that happened in the past, and the ending detailing what really happened to the girls. I was surprised by who the actual villain was. There were parts of this book that I found really unbelievable, like the really terrible police work with the disappearance of a minor. The disappearances happened during modern times and the book was describing the police work like something out of the 1970’s. Plus the whole ghost thing at the end had me rolling my eyes. 🙄
July 3, 2024
Have you ever finished a book and immediately read it again? Okay, me neither, but Still, Dark Places is THAT book- the one that you become so engrossed in that you find yourself "one more chapter-ing" your way through it until 5AM. (Do I actually NEED to be mentally present for other things today? My reading habit says no.) I hate reviews that give too much away, so what I CAN tell you is that this book is perfect for anyone who is craving a horror thriller hybrid. This book also gives a fresh take on the trend of incorporating a podcast and provides multiple storylines and viewpoints that all feel wholly compelling. I will absolutely be recommending this book to anyone who will listen and can't wait to read more by this author in the future. (Special thanks to Horrorsmith Publishing for the copy of this book- I'll be forever grateful for the introduction to one of my newest favorite authors!)
July 1, 2024
This was my second ARC from Horrorsmith Publishing. I loved it! I think it's more thriller than horror so if horror isn't your thing but thrillers are, I think you'll like this one. It would also be a good intro to horror if you're wanting to get into it.
Holy plot twist, Batman! I legitimately gasped out loud at one point, I was so surprised (the end of chapter 38, if anyone cares, but no peeking!) It starts like a regular thriller but the creepy vibe slowly builds to the end of the book, building the suspense. Like a long, gradual crescendo that ends with a cymbal crash. I don't know how else to describe it.
Right now (07/01/24) it's only 99 cents on Amazon, it's a steal! I would definitely read another book by this author.
Speaking of the author - I'm so excited to see so many women writing horror! Brava!
Holy plot twist, Batman! I legitimately gasped out loud at one point, I was so surprised (the end of chapter 38, if anyone cares, but no peeking!) It starts like a regular thriller but the creepy vibe slowly builds to the end of the book, building the suspense. Like a long, gradual crescendo that ends with a cymbal crash. I don't know how else to describe it.
Right now (07/01/24) it's only 99 cents on Amazon, it's a steal! I would definitely read another book by this author.
Speaking of the author - I'm so excited to see so many women writing horror! Brava!
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